For the little Country, the UK has a vast variety of roads. Starting a long journey often involves comprehensive planning. Do you prefer more urban or country roads? One may provide spectacular scenic views, while others have straight (easy-to-follow) routes.
Whichever you want to plan, you’ll soon realize that each terrain has its own quirks. These factors need you to adapt your Driving accordingly and expect the cues and hazards beforehand.
Types of Road Users
City
Many people often commute to urban areas for work and time-out during rush hours. This means you might be surrounded by more cars, motorcycles, busses and lorries hauling workers and tourists to the city.
Basically, looking at a large number of vehicles, you can easily expect queues during rush hours. In this heavy traffic, it’s vital to keep checking your mirrors as bikes tend to weave between lanes and other vehicles queuing all the time.
Country
While driving in the country, you’ll encounter some interesting road companionships. The countryside is filled with a variety of wildlife. You’ll see yourself sharing the road with a flock of birds or a herd of sheep, cows and horses.
If you are lucky, you might have to wait patiently till a duck guides her brood across the road. You also must stay vigilant to avoid animals darting into the street (look especially for deer in the UK).
Observe the road signs alerting you about wildlife and road safety. Proximity to farmland also means you’ll encounter some unique tractors and other vehicles. You can observe and experience the countryside’s views without losing your concentration on the road.
Speed
City
Due to large traffic volumes, cities are inflected with strict speed limits. Although most areas are 30mph zone, more 20mph zones can be seen. Utilizing your intuition and maintaining a safe and fair pace with other road users is vital. This means avoiding any dangerous hazards and keeping up with the traffic flow.
Country
Whereas you’ll see higher speed limits of around 60mph in rural areas. Although it is not necessary to meet them, you’ll still need to use your good driving skills to stay safe. Fewer casualties are seen on country roads, but accidents occurring in these areas are potentially fatal.
According to the department of transport, 51% of fatal crashes occurred on these non-built-up roads in 2016.
Terrain
City
Cities are significantly built-up places, so buildings or oversized vehicles may block your view of the road. You may also find areas under construction. Therefore, temporary traffic lights can be found in place. On the bright side, cities are constructed with proper road signs and street lights.
Country
Narrow and winding roads often represent rural areas of the UK, so your view may also get blocked by dense foliage. Country driving tends to get harsh on your vehicle’s tyres, so we highly suggest keeping an eye on rough road surfaces, especially at night when the lighting may become insufficient.
Which is the Best?
We recommend you go where your map takes you with the most preferable route possible and let yourself decide what type of journey is worthwhile, as both can be relaxable and enjoyable.
Even while operating, you can still choose which route to take if there are relevant options on the route planner.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many pros and cons seen while driving in the city versus the country. Planning beforehand after understanding the core differences will make your journey easier and more comfortable.
We’ve learned about the differences between driving in the city and the country. But what if you have a foreign licence? Here’s an essential guide to exchanging a foreign licence for a UK driving licence.
The post Driving in the Country VS Driving in the City: Know the Differences appeared first on Fleet Speak.
